Out with the old and in with the new: UPHS health and physical education teacher, Christopher Lonergan, became the new coach of the Upper Perk girls’ basketball team. With these new coaching arrangements, many more changes in team dynamics and gameplay will surely be in store for the girls this season.
The girls’ basketball team needed a replacement after former head coach, Shelli Petsch, accepted a position coaching at Gwynedd Mercy College. During the candidate search, the hiring team found Mr. Lonergan, who has been teaching at the high school for over 22 years, to be an exceptional fit for the job.
He has over 30 years of coaching experience with players of all ages, including elementary, middle, and high school athletes, both inside and outside the district. Additionally, Mr. Lonergan played basketball throughout his youth and high school career in the Abington School District. He even went on to play an additional year at Ursinus College.
In the past, the girls’ basketball team has been unsuccessful, with a final record of 6-17 in their 2023-2024 season. To improve this record, coach Lonergan informed WSJ that he plans to “grow the youth program to develop the upper teams in the district.” He stressed the importance of building a good foundation for the high school level.
Another approach he wants to take in hopes of changing the team’s success rate is trying to recruit athletic people on his team. “Our school is filled with skilled and talented athletes” Lonergan explained, “If we utilize these athletes on our team, even if they don’t exactly know how to play basketball, our strength will be increased regardless.”
Additionally, players have shown support and enthusiasm for Lonergan’s new position. Sophomore basketball player Olivia Gehringer told the WSJ, “I love Lonergan. He was a good coach in middle school and I’m happy to have him back,” explaining how similar to her, most players on the team either respect or agree with the decision of appointing him to head coach.
As Mr. Lonergan gives the girls’ team a fresh start, anyone can follow up with these changes on the court through the school athletics page on the UPSD website. The Upper Perkiomen girls’ basketball team is hopeful for a new season as they strive to reach new heights with Mr. Lonergan.
